What a Florida driver license history report shows and how to request it
A Florida driver license history report is a record of your driving activity maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). It includes traffic violations, crashes you were involved in, license suspensions or revocations, points on your record, and any administrative actions taken against your license. The report reflects only incidents reported to the state — not every ticket you received, but those that were processed through the court system and reported to DHSMV.
You can request your own driving record in person at a local DHSMV office, by mail, online through the DHSMV website, or through a third-party vendor. The fastest method is usually online, which takes minutes. Mail requests typically take five to seven business days. In-person requests are processed when ready but require a trip to an office during business hours.
You will need to provide your Florida driver license number or your full name and date of birth. If you request the report in person, bring a valid photo ID. Online requests require you to verify your identity through the state's system. Mail requests should include a signed letter stating your name, date of birth, driver license number, and the reason for the request.
Key Takeaways
- Your Florida driver license history report shows traffic violations, crashes, license suspensions, and points accumulated on your record as reported to DHSMV.
- You can request your report online through the DHSMV website, by mail, in person at a local office, or through an authorized third-party vendor.
- Online requests are processed within minutes; mail requests take five to seven business days; in-person requests are when ready.
- You will need your driver license number or full name and date of birth to request the report.
- The report costs a small fee that varies depending on how you request it and whether you want certified or uncertified copies.
Requesting your report online through DHSMV
The DHSMV website allows you to order your driving record online without visiting an office. Go to the official DHSMV website and look for the "Driver Records" or "Order Your Driving Record" section. You will be asked to enter your driver license number and date of birth, then verify your identity. The system may ask you security questions based on your driving history or other personal information on file.
Once you complete the identity verification, you can choose whether you want a certified or uncertified copy. A certified copy bears the state seal and is accepted by courts, insurance companies, and employers. An uncertified copy is for personal reference. You will pay the fee online using a credit or debit card, and the report will be available for read or mailed to you depending on which option you select.
If you cannot verify your identity online, the system will direct you to request your report by mail or in person. This sometimes happens if your information does not match what DHSMV has on file or if your license is very new.
Requesting your report by mail
To request your driving record by mail, write a letter that includes your full name, date of birth, Florida driver license number, and the reason you need the report. Sign the letter and mail it to the DHSMV address listed on their website — the address varies by region, so check the official site to find the correct office for your area.
Include a check or money order for the fee payable to "DHSMV." Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the report mailed back to you, or indicate in your letter that you will pick it up at the office. Mail requests typically take five to seven business days from the date DHSMV receives your letter.
Keep a copy of your letter for your records. If your request does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you can contact DHSMV to confirm they received it and check the status.
Requesting your report in person at a DHSMV office
Visit any DHSMV office during business hours with a valid photo ID and your driver license number or date of birth. Tell the staff member you want to order your driving record. They will verify your identity, ask whether you want a certified or uncertified copy, and process your request on the spot.
You will pay the fee in cash, check, or card depending on what the office accepts. Your report will be printed and given to you when ready, or mailed to you if you prefer. In-person requests are the fastest option if you need the report the same day.
DHSMV offices are located throughout Florida. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DHSMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or visiting early in the day can reduce wait times.
Using a third-party vendor to order your record
Several authorized third-party vendors are licensed to order Florida driving records on behalf of consumers. These vendors charge a fee above the state fee, but they handle the request process for you. You provide your information online or by phone, and the vendor submits the request to DHSMV and mails the report to you.
Third-party vendors are useful if you prefer not to visit an office or handle mail yourself, but the total cost is higher because you pay both the state fee and the vendor's processing fee. Turnaround time is usually three to five business days after the vendor receives your order, plus mail delivery time.
Make sure any vendor you use is listed as authorized by DHSMV. Unauthorized vendors may charge excessive fees or provide inaccurate information. Check the DHSMV website for the list of approved vendors.
What to do if your report contains errors
If you review your driving record and find an error — such as a violation you did not commit, a crash that was not your fault, or a suspension that was already lifted — you have the right to dispute it. Contact DHSMV and explain the error in writing. Include a copy of your driving record, documentation supporting your claim (such as a court document or insurance report), and your driver license number.
DHSMV will investigate your dispute and contact you with the outcome. If the error is confirmed, they will correct your record. This process can take several weeks. In the meantime, keep a copy of your dispute letter and any supporting documents for your records.
If you believe a violation was wrongly reported by a court or law enforcement agency, you may also contact the court or agency directly to request they correct their records, which will then be reflected in DHSMV's system once updated.
Why you might need your driving record
Insurance companies often request your driving record when you explore for or renew a policy. They use it to assess your risk and set your premium. Employers, especially those hiring drivers, may request your record as part of a background check. Courts may require your record in traffic cases or civil disputes involving a crash.
You might also request your own record to review it for accuracy, to monitor your points balance, or to understand how violations affect your license status. Some people request it before explore for certain jobs or before moving to another state to may support their record is clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Florida driving record cost?
The state fee varies depending on whether you want a certified or uncertified copy and how you request it. Online and in-person requests typically cost less than mail requests. Third-party vendors charge an additional processing fee on top of the state fee. Check the DHSMV website for current pricing.
How long does a violation stay on my Florida driving record?
Most traffic violations remain on your record for five years from the date of conviction. Some violations, such as serious offenses or DUI, may stay longer. Points assigned for violations typically expire after three years if you do not receive another violation during that time.
Can someone else request my driving record?
Generally, only you can request your own driving record. However, an attorney, insurance company, or employer may request it with your written consent. Some third-party vendors allow you to authorize them to request the record on your behalf.
What if I lost my driver license number?
You can request your driving record using your full name and date of birth instead of your license number. DHSMV will look up your record in their system using that information. You may also call DHSMV to ask for your license number if you need it for another purpose.
Does my driving record show insurance claims?
No. Your DHSMV driving record shows only violations, crashes, and license actions reported by courts and law enforcement. Insurance claims are maintained by your insurance company and are not part of your state driving record, though insurers may use both when setting your rates.